RATIONAL EQUATIONS Finding a Common Root - Partner Activity

In this activity, students will practice solving rational equations resulting in linear and quadratics using three types methods for solving:

• Cross Multiplying
• Multiplying by the LCD
• Factoring to find the LCD

This activity includes monomial, binomial, and trinomial denominators. The equations have only rational roots. The problems have a varying degree of difficulty.

Activity Directions: There are 20 problems total, separated into two sets.

Partners start solving their own set of ten equations by the most appropriate method and check for extraneous solutions. They must determine the common root between each two partners’ corresponding equations. ( For instance, the equations (1a) and (1b) are corresponding and have one common root, similarly the equations (2a) and (2b)… ). Partners record their answers and mark the common roots in a table given OR they record each common root in the area of each pair of intersecting ellipses on a figure given.

Student recording sheets are provided for partners to show all work.

An answer key is included.